Scott wants Obama to reimburse state for ports

Published On: Mar 28 2013 10:46:25 AM EDT

MIAMI -

Gov. Rick Scott wants the federal government to reimburse the state for tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer dollars invested in Florida's ports.

Scott held a conference call Thursday, one day before President Barack Obama is slated to visit the port of Miami. Scott committed $77 million in state funding to a dredging project for Miami's port in 2011.

In January, Scott asked the Legislature to appropriate $36 million for Jacksonville port improvements, saying the state could no longer wait for federal dollars to fund the project because the state needs jobs now.

Scott welcomes Obama's visit but says "he's late to the party on Florida port investments. Florida taxpayers have stepped up time and time again."

Congress has not yet acted on legislation that includes port money.

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